As North Carolina was one of the first thirteen colonies, most Winston Salem house styles were highly influenced by European designs. North Carolina’s safest city has a rich history that is shown in stunning architecture and timeless buildings. Whether you are considering buying a large family home or downsizing in Winston Salem, there are plenty of unique homes to choose from.
In this article, we’ll explain what you need to know before packing your bags and moving to Winston Salem, as well as what home styles you can expect to see there.
What to know before moving to Winston Salem?
Given that it’s ranked 59th as one of the “Best Places to Live” and 35th as “Best Places to Retire” in the entire US, it’s no wonder that so many people decide to relocate to Winston Salem. Here’s what you need to know before you move here:
- Cost of living – The cost of living is much lower than the national average, which makes this city very affordable. This means that, even if you are moving on short notice to Winston Salem, you won’t have to worry about the expenses.
- Closeness to ocean and mountains – If you love hiking and adventure, the mountains are just over two hours away. However, if you are a fan of sandy beaches and sunbathing, you will be delighted that it will take you the same amount of time to get to the closest beach.
- Delicious food – Winston Salem is a true haven for foodies. It’s where southern comfort food meets authentic international flavors. You’ll have to agree that it can’t get much better than that.
- Education opportunities – Winston Salem is home to high-quality high schools and colleges, both private and public, making it a perfect place to raise a family.
Caption: Winston Salem is known for high-quality education. Wake Forest University is only one of many famous colleges there.
Alt: Wake Forest University in Winston Salem photographed from afar.
Relocating to Winston Salem
Another great thing about Winston Salem is that no matter where you’re coming from, you can be sure you’ll be accepted and easily meet new friends. Southern hospitality is a lifestyle in Winston Salem, and even though it’s a big city, it has a small-town feel.
However, don’t make a mistake in thinking that the moving process is the easy part of your relocation. If you are coming from other parts of the state and planning a long-distance relocation through North Carolina, it’s important to prepare well. Even if you are moving on short notice, there are still ways to have a successful and stress-free relocation. The key is in hiring reliable long-distance movers who will be able to accommodate your schedule. They’ll handle logistics and do the heavy lifting while you can enjoy getting to know Winston Salem.
Winston Salem house styles
Further in this article, you will find out what are the most common Winston Salem house styles. Whatever your lifestyle or needs, you are bound to find something you love.
Federal-style houses
When it comes to houses in Winston Salem, and even in the entire North Carolina, Georgian style is definitely the most popular one. Federal-style was created based on it, and it has many of the same elements of the Georgian style.
Caption: Federal-style is the most popular style of houses in the entire North Carolina.
Alt: A large federal-style house with a large porch and a lot of windows.
These houses mostly have symmetrical facades and central-hall plans. Also, most of these homes have many windows and doors in order to allow good cross-ventilation. Usually, they are two stories high and constructed in a square form. Also, most of them have a covered porch, archway, or pediment above the main door and hip or gable roof with dormers.
Colonial style
The most traditional style of homes in the US is the Colonial style. Similar to the Georgian style, they come with white columns, usually a hip roof with dormers and paired windows with lovely shutters. The main features of almost all Colonial-style houses are centered front doors with foyers.
The Southern Colonial-style houses are much different than the same-style homes in other parts of the US. For example, in New England, those were usually simple two-story homes with an open plan. In the South, Colonial-style houses are huge, sometimes even three stories high. They have a rich exterior with porticoes and colonnades extending the entire length of the facade.
Farmhouse
Farmhouse style became popular during the late 18th and early 19th century in North Carolina. They were recognizable by the front door in the middle of the exterior facade that led to an interior central hall. There were two front rooms with one window each.
Modern versions of farmhouses follow the traditional layout. However, they are much more stylish and sophisticated and have all the amenities of contemporary living. If you inherit such a house in Winston Salem, know that it can turn out to be an excellent investment.
Bungalows
Another house style you can see in Winston Salem is the bungalow. It was first brought to North Carolina in the early 20th century when it became popular among young families who wanted affordable and simple homes.
They flourished in suburban areas and had open floor plans, wide porches, and lovely gardens. Even though they can be seen in Winston Salem, most of them are located in the Charlotte area.
Southern Plantation
The most extravagant home style in North Carolina is Southern Plantation-style. Some of the examples can be seen in Winston Salem, too. The early plantation-style homes were spectacular brick structures that had huge columns, gorgeous lawns with fountains, statues, and even lagoons.
Caption: Southern Plantation homes were located on massive estates and had long pathways leading to the entrance.
Alt: A brown concrete pathway surrounded by trees leading to a huge Southern Plantation house.
Today, most Southern-plantation houses are in the National Register of Historic Places. For example, what began as a Reynolds Farm in Winston Salem is now The Reynolds House Museum of American Art. Although, there are still smaller and less extravagant plantation-style houses all over Winston Salem.
The bottom line
If you are looking to live in a bustling city close to mountain views and stunning coastlines, relocating to Winston Salem is an excellent choice. We hope our list of the most common Winston Salem house styles helped you decide which type of house is right for you. Good luck with your relocation! If you find youself in a situation needing to sell a house quickly call or tex AIP House Buyers at 336-707-5223. They purchase houses quickly with CASH!